Malawi highlights tour, tailor made

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION:
All the properties visited utilise solar energy for the majority of their energy, if not all of it. They also work to minimise water usage as much as possible and have eliminated single-use plastics, except where unavoidable. All of the properties visited are focused on seasonal, local produce to reduce the amount of importing. This itinerary features no domestic flights; all internal transfers are operated by vehicle and itineraries are drafted to ensure there is no excessive travel. Vegetarian food is widely available at each location. While vegan food is available in some locations, the choices can be very limited and cannot be guaranteed at every lodge.

Our ground agent provides all guests with a reusable Ocean Bottle water bottle, made from a minimum of 65% recycled material, and has also switched their head office to a solar-powered back up system.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE:
Camps within Majete Wilderness Reserve, Lake Malawi National Park and Liwonde National Park are subject to park/reserve fees to support ongoing conservation efforts (included in our price). These include projects that implement the reintroduction of species including rhinos, African wild dogs and lions.
In Lake Malawi, the lodge utilises a grey-water system, and any remaining carbon footprint created outside of renewable energy sources is offset with a local reforestation initiative. Guests are invited to visit the community-managed tree nurseries to see the project in action. So far over 1200 seedlings have been planted.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY:
All the lodges visited are owned by Southern African companies, two are owned by Malawians, while three are owned by small, conservation-focused safari groups which are based in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
All the camps and lodges visited are involved in local community projects, ranging from health screening to education programmes.
Two examples listed below:
In Lake Malawi, guests have the opportunity to visit Katundu Workshop, a socially conscious organisation where the local community are trained to create interior décor using upcycled materials. Guests can purchase pieces from the artisans, and will also see the décor throughout the lodge.
Stays at the Satemwa Tea Estate support a number of community projects, including health clinics and checkups for local communities.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY:
All the camps and lodges visited employ staff from Malawi. Although exact figures are not confirmed, it is the vast majority.
Our ground agents are dedicated to creating local jobs and only employ local guides, many of whom have worked at the company for a number of years. Our ground agent is based in Malawi, and is heavily involved in promoting sustainable tourism in Malawi.